Launched publicly in the fall of 2024, the Together Against Cancer campaign is a unique collaboration between The Cedars Cancer Foundation (Cedars) and the Montreal General Hospital Foundation (MGHF). Our goal is to raise $100 million to support transformative projects that will improve the experience, quality of life, and outcomes of cancer patients at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), throughout the province, and beyond.

Thanks to our generous donors, medical teams, and passionate volunteers, our Together Against Cancer campaign raised over $50 million, bringing us halfway to our fundraising goal.

Throughout Together Against Cancer’s first year, we shared powerful stories about our patients, medical teams, and researchers – and the priority projects supported by the campaign. (You may have seen some of their faces this past autumn on bus shelters, social media, and even on television.)

Today, we shine a light on a dedicated group of people working tirelessly behind the scenes to help us raise funds, spread the word, and reach our campaign objective. We’re speaking, of course, about our incredible volunteer campaign cabinet and the altruistic members who lend their time and expertise to the cause. They are lawyers, businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and physicians, and they all have different reasons for getting involved. What they have in common is that they’ve all been touched by cancer in some way, and they all want to help the MUHC’s medical teams be at the forefront of cancer research, treatment, and care.

“We’re halfway to our fundraising goal, thanks to the generosity and support of our community and the vision and dedication of our campaign cabinet,” says Stephanie Riddell, President and CEO of the MGHF. “Thank you for helping our Foundations spread the word about the campaign and raise funds that will positively impact the entire patient care pathway, support promising research, and hopefully save more lives.”

Cedars President and CEO, Jeff J. Shamie, adds: “The women and men on our campaign cabinet are volunteers, and they have gone above and beyond to ensure our campaign is successful. These are very accomplished people who take time out of their busy lives to provide advice and help us fundraise because they believe in what we do and in what we’re raising money for.”

So, who are some of the volunteers behind Together Against Cancer?

Leading the campaign cabinet are co-chairs Gwen Andrews Nacos, a two-time cancer survivor who founded Cedars CanSupport 35 years ago, and corporate lawyer Richard Cherney.

“We are extremely proud to be taking part in this major campaign. Cancer affects all. It is therefore vital to find solutions to improve treatment and chances of survival. It is impressive to see the devotion of our clinicians and scientists as they push the boundaries of clinical research, enabling our physicians to perform ever more complex surgeries and to integrate new technologies in order to improve the prognosis of cancer patients,” say Ms. Nacos and Mr. Cherney.

Our honorary campaign co-chairs are Andrew Molson and Stephanie Rossy, and our campaign cabinet members are Si Chen, Dominic Costantini, Diana Ferrara Scalia, Michael Flinker, Jean-Guy Gourdeau, Elise Nesbitt, Dr. Roger Tabah, Peggy Tabet, Adam Turner, and Lawrence Vatch.

The Cedars Cancer Foundation and the Montreal General Hospital Foundation are deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of our cabinet members, who are a driving force of this major fundraising campaign. We are truly honoured to have them as part of our team. Their belief in our cause and willingness to contribute their time and resources are truly inspiring. Thank you!

Every day, patients, families, and medical teams give their best against cancer. This year, we ask that you give the best you can to help them. Together Against Cancer is halfway to $100 million, and you can help us get there. To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit togetheragainstcancer.ca

Gwen Andrews NacosGwen Andrews Nacos is a businesswoman, philanthropist, and volunteer leader who has dedicated much of her life to trying to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. In 1988, she founded Cedars CanSupport, which has made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of MUHC cancer patients and has become an integral part of the MUHC’s Supportive and Palliative Care Division. A long-time member and former Chair of Cedars’ Board of Directors, Gwen has also served as a member of the Board of the MUHC, of the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, and of the Royal Victoria Hospital, among many other volunteer roles.
Richard CherneyRichard Cherney is a corporate lawyer and a trusted advisor to many corporations. He brings extensive volunteer experience to Together Against Cancer’s campaign cabinet. Passionate about getting involved in causes close to his heart, he was a Montreal General Hospital Foundation board member for a decade and served as President of the board for two years, during which time his leadership made a significant impact on the Foundation’s campaigns and fundraising initiatives.